Cipro & Joint Pain
Cipro is a brand name of the drug ciprofloxacin. Other brand names in the United States include Cipro XR and Proquin XR. Ciprofloxacin is a powerful drug that can cause adverse reactions in some patients. Joint problems are one set of side effects of this medication that affect adults and children, sometimes with serious consequences.
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Prescribed Uses for Ciprofloxacin
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Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. These drugs are prescribed to treat or prevent certain types of serious bacterial infections, including some urinary tract infections. Most notably, ciprofloxacin is the drug prescribed to treat anthrax. It is also prescribed as a prophylactic to people who may have been exposed to anthrax.
Although ciprofloxacin and other antibiotics in this class have successfully treated infections in adults, the toxicity observed in young animals in preclinical studies contraindicated the use of these drugs in children. However, some children are candidates for taking ciprofloxacin if they have drug-resistant bacterial infections, compromised immune system or cystic fibrosis.
Adverse Effects
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Mild to moderate side effects experienced by ciprofloxacin users include gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, diarrhea, heartburn and stomach ache, as well as vaginal itching and discharge. These side effects are consistent with other antibiotics that kill off "friendly" and infectious bacteria alike, resulting in abdominal distress and yeast infections. Other side effects include headache and urinary urgency.
Serious side effects are rare. These adverse reactions affect particular body systems such as the central and peripheral nervous systems and the musculoskeletal system. Especially severe reactions include hallucinations and suicidal thoughts; burning, tingling, spasms and numbness in various areas of the body; and tendinitis and tendon rupture.
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Joint Problems
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Studies with animal models showed that fluoroquinolones caused bone and joint lesions such as fluid-filled blisters, fissures and eroded areas in joints. The National Institutes of Health states that this drug should not be administered to children unless they have been exposed to anthrax or have an infection that cannot be treated with another antibiotic because it may cause problems with joints and the surrounding tissues. Parents of children who experience joint pain while taking ciprofloxacin should contact their child's doctor.
Some adults also experience joint pain due to ciprofloxacin use. There are reported cases of ciprofloxacin-induced joint pain that resulted in permanent disability.
Benefits of Ciprofloxacin
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Ciprofloxacin effectively treats many types of bacterial infections that other antibiotics cannot, such as hemophilius, salmonella, staphylococcus and streptococcus. In children with cystic fibrosis, two studies showed that ciprofloxacin successfully treated pulmonary bacterial infections with no serious side effects reported. The drug has also effectively treated bacterial infections in children with weakened immune systems from chemotherapy.
Warning
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Although ciprofloxacin is a powerful and effective antibiotic, its benefits must be carefully weighed against its risks associated with the potential harmful side effects. Some of the side effects can cause lasting injury, illness or disability. Patients who experience joint pain or other serious side effects of ciprofloxacin may need to discontinue its use unless there is no alternative treatment to the infection.
Ciprofloxacin is manufactured by several companies around the world and one brand is not interchangeable with another. It is important to take only the brand prescribed by the doctor and to follow the pharmacy instructions carefully.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Stephen Cummings
